What is Workplace Assault?
In Texas, workplace assault typically refers to any act of violence or physical harm that occurs between coworkers or between an employee and their employer. This can include pushing, hitting, or even threats of harm. A workplace assault can lead to both criminal charges and civil liability, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. If you have been accused of assaulting someone at work, it is essential to understand your legal rights and what defenses may be available to you. Assault at work may happen due to various reasons, such as workplace stress, misunderstandings, or heated arguments. Regardless of the cause, it is critical to handle the situation with the proper legal guidance.Your Rights if You Are Accused of Assault
Being accused of assault at your workplace can feel overwhelming, especially if the incident has affected your career or personal life. However, in Texas, everyone has specific rights when facing assault charges. First and foremost, you have the right to remain silent. This means you do not have to answer any questions or make any statements without the presence of an attorney. It is also essential to know that, as an employee, you cannot be fired for facing assault charges unless it directly impacts your job responsibilities or violates company policies. If you have been accused, it is crucial to act swiftly and protect your rights, as the legal process can be complex and stressful.
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS AND FUTURE
Criminal Defense Attorney
Douglas Wilder
Attorney Douglas Wilder has always stayed on the cutting edge of training and attending seminars to ensure he has the most knowledge he can to represent his clients. This has led him to be recognized as one of the Best Lawyers under 40 in Dallas by D magazine, and also recognized as a Super Lawyer for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, & 2023. .
Defenses Against Assault Charges at the Workplace
When it comes to defending yourself against assault charges in Texas, there are several possible defenses that can be used to challenge the accusation. The exact defense strategy will depend on the details of your case, but it is important to understand the most common defenses that may apply to workplace assault. One of the most common defenses is the claim of self-defense. If you were acting in defense of yourself or someone else, you may have been justified in using force to protect yourself. In Texas, self-defense is recognized as a legal defense if you believed you were in immediate danger of being harmed. If you were defending yourself from a coworker who initiated the confrontation, your actions may not constitute assault. However, the use of force must be reasonable, meaning you cannot escalate the situation unnecessarily. Another defense is the argument of mutual combat. If both parties involved in the incident agreed to fight or were actively engaging in a fight, it could be argued that the assault was the result of mutual consent. In this case, the charges might be reduced or dismissed, depending on the circumstances. In some cases, the use of force may be justified due to the necessity of controlling a situation that posed a danger to others or the work environment. For instance, if a coworker was threatening to harm someone, you may have acted to prevent further harm or injury. In such situations, your actions could be defended as necessary to maintain safety in the workplace.
The Wilder Law Firm helped me overcome my case with the most favorable outcome possible. My case was dismissed very quickly and they kept me updated throughout the process. They handled all of my court appearances which kept me from having to spend time away from work. I greatly appreciate their help and would highly recommend them.”
- Forrest Davis
I hired the Wilder Law Firm to help with my Family Violence Citations due to it’s remarkable reviews, experience in the field and high approval rating! The firm successfully resolved my cases and got both of them dismissed. This has not only given me a greater relief, but I’m happy and excited that I have no record to worry about. Thank you everyone at the Wilder Law Firm for the support and patience with me. I’m very excited."
- Steve Ak
My advice– call Wilder Law Firm– they will help you! I had two cases in two different courts and they were able to get both dismissed! Facing these two charges put me in a really hard time for a few months but with the Wilder Law Firm’s help, I was able to put all this past me and move on with a clean record. This was a hard life lesson but I am thankful for the results."
- Rudy Castanon